Just north of Brisbane lies the aptly-named Sunshine Coast, a heavenly stretch of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and rolling green mountains.   The Coast takes in the mountain villages of the Noosa Hinterland and Blackall Ranges as well as the beachside playgrounds of Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum, the untouched Cooloola Coast and Australia's most famous resort town, Noosa, best known for its beaches, shopping and fabulous food.

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its great beaches.  There are surf beaches all along the coast, ranging from sandy beach breaks to the rocky-point breaks at Alexandra Headland.  The most famous breaks are the series of classic right-hand points around the Noosa National Park.

Here's a guide to the top spots of the Sunshine Coast:
Caloundra, at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, is a friendly seaside city which is a favourite holiday destination for families.  Surfing, safe swimming, snorkelling, beach or boat fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and waterskiing are just some of the fun water activities to be enjoyed off Caloundra's beaches.

Mooloolaba has been transformed into a stylish beachside resort town, with elegant resorts, al fresco dining, delis, coffee shops and designer shopping lining the esplanade.  Nearby are the attractions of the award-winning UnderWater World and The Wharf, where you can experience life beneath the sea without getting wet.

Maroochydore is the commercial hub of the Coast and home to its largest shopping centre, Sunshine Plaza with more than 200 specialty stores, a food court and cinema complex.  The beaches and Maroochy River are a paradise for water fun and some of the Coast's top fishing spots are found up the river along Bradman Avenue.

Coolum is a favourite holiday spot for families, who love the village atmosphere, safe swimming and spectacular views.   Guests from around the world stay at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, one of the Sunshine Coast's top resorts and golf courses.

Noosa Heads is Australia's most beautiful beach resort, with its famous beachfront Hastings Street a mecca for visitors from around the world who enjoy its elegant, low rise mix of cosmopolitan cafes, delis, designer shops, fabulous restaurants and al fresco dining.  A 15 minute stroll away is Noosa National Park, with its unspoilt beauty and abundant wildlife.

Hinterland, the Glasshouse Mountains and the Blackall Ranges form the Sunshine Coast's magnificent Hinterland region of rolling hills and farmland, dramatic volcanic landscapes and peaceful National Parks.  There's the Blackall Ranges villages of Montville and Maleny or the Noosa Hinterland towns of Eumundi, Yandina and Pomona.  Don't miss the famous Eumundi Markets held every Wednesday and Saturday morning. 

The Cooloola Region lies between Noosa and the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.  The historical centre of Gympie is located a two hour drive north of Brisbane.  Its attractions include the Gold Mining Museum, Lighthorse Museum, Mary Valley Heritage Railway and a heritage walk which guides you past the historical highlights of Mary Street, in the centre of town.   The Cooloola Region includes the coastal towns of Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay, the rolling hills of the Mary Valley and untouched Cooloola National Park. 

FAMILY FUN 
There's lots to choose from ' must dos include UnderWater World, The Big Pineapple, the Big Kart Track, Forest Glen Wildlife Sanctuary and The Australia Zoo.

ALWAYS EVENTFUL 
We have been busy making sure that we have all of the events on the coast in one spot for you.  Total count so far is in excess of 700 events in the next 6 months.  You can check them out by following this link.  Events Calendar

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Camel Company Australia, will take you on a beach and bush safari with a difference along Noosa's North Shore.  Bushwalk the undisturbed coastal trails of Cooloola National Park or escape for a few days on a houseboat in the Noosa Everglades.  Hire a 4WD and discover the crystal clear Lake Poona, the Cherry Venture Wreck and spectacular Carlo Sand Blow in the Great Sandy National Park.  The Aussie Sea Kayak Company takes guided day or overnight sea kayak safaris around Caloundra and the Pumicestone Passage. Fish the deep blue with Noosa Offshore Fishing Charters.

EASY ACCESS
The Sunshine Coast begins at Caloundra, just an hour's drive up the Bruce Highway from Brisbane. You can fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (with connections from other capitals) to Maroochy Airport and hire a car ' it's a 25 minute drive to any of the main towns.   The Sunshine Coast is also serviced by all major coach companies as well as an efficient electric rail service.  The South East Explorer gives unlimited all-day train, participating bus and ferry travel in south east Queensland between Coolangatta and Noosa.

DAY TOURS
Let someone else do the driving!  A great range of day tour packages to the region's natural and man-made attractions are available.  For information and bookings, call the local visitor information centres.

CLIMATE
No wonder it's called the Sunshine Coast, with an average seven hours sunshine daily.  Average summer (December-January) temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C, with the highs normally tempered by cooling sea breezes. Winter (June-August) days are characteristically mild and sunny, with average temperatures from 7°C to 22°C. Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) are always popular with visitors as temperatures range comfortably between 13°C and 25°C.